12 reasons Why Paris Looks Best In Black & White | Paris Noir & Blanc

by Roy KimhiMay 19, 2019

Paris is one of the most popular cities in the world. It is the city where one of the wonders of the world resides. One just cannot get enough of the memories that it can offer. With memories that we can cherish forever and ones that can take you back in time, it is critically important that you capture all these memories in the best way possible. Let’s have a look at why one should capture Paris’s beauty in black and white. Let’s take a look at the 12 Reasons Why Paris looks best in Black and White.

1) Clear and Crisp

It has been noted that when a photo is taken in color, there are several aspects that dominate the picture. For instance, imagine that you are taking the Eiffel Tower – one of the wonders of the world. Although your subject is simple and pretty large, there are a number of colors that become part of the image, such as the sky, the lawns surrounding the tower, people, the water bodies, the clouds, and many more such interesting backgrounds. These object’s color can decide how well your picture will turn out to be. Though there are a number of images that show the tower in color, nothing can beat the black and white photos of the Eiffel tower. In fact, the photos look much better when they are taken in black and white with the Eiffel tower in the dark. The lights on the tower lend the image a touch of glamour which makes the photo one of the best memories that one can capture.

2) Natural Lighting

Paris has pretty exciting weather. While the city doesn’t get much in terms of snowfall, it does has vivid seasons. Images are usually better when there is proper lighting to the subject so that there remains a focus on what you are trying to capture. When sunlight falls on an array of clouds, it might be worthwhile to see if both of these can be blended to produce a stunning image. With proper lighting, you will also be able to capture shadows of different structures that are most likely to turn out to be amazing in black and white. You might also want to also consider capturing the sun-rays that fall on different subjects over the course of your journey through Paris. The outcome of this is equally stunning.

3) Silhouettes

During the cloudy days in Paris, it is important that you take advantage of the weather. You will be able to capture stunning silhouettes of different things throughout the day. You might want to start with the famous Louvre Museum. There might also be instances where you will be able to capture the moods of the general public and other amazing moments along the way that can aptly fit the subject. Silhouettes will also come out well in the sunny days when images are taken against the light.

4) Interesting Patterns

Paris, being rich in culture, has a number of places where you will be able to find amazing and intricate patterns. One of the most famous places where you can find interesting patterns are in the Catacombs of Paris. This is an illuminated tunnel which, once upon a time, was a limestone mine, with millions of oddly arranged skeletons forming a unique pattern in different angles. Another interesting place where you will be able to find patterns is in the Sainte-Chapelle. This was the residence of the King of France until the 14th century where you will be able to find sainted-glass windows which depict biblical scenes. Capturing such patterns in black and white will show the depth of the image and ensure that your photos are noticed.

5) Architecture

Paris has a rich architecture and is proud of it. You will be able to snap amazing images of the architecture in Paris. With the images being devoid of colors, the beauty of the architecture will be highlighted, and you will be amazed at the result that it produces. With amazing architecture in the form of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur and many more, your images are sure to be noticed, especially when taken in black and white since the locations and subjects are so beautiful.

6) Infinity points

Paris, being the capital of France, is one of the most happening cities in the country. You will never be able to run out of places that you can visit in Paris. Black and white images of infinity points are something that you must try in Paris. There being quite a few gardens, the rail system, and endless roads all contribute to the beauty and landscape. The endless points offer amazing detail to the surroundings, even though there is no color in the images.

7) Landscapes

There have been several debates among a number of photographers where there is still discussion between color and the black and white landscape images. Though the debate can never come to an end, you might want to capture black and white images of a particular landscape with fog or mist hanging over. With the temperatures in Paris dropping to single digits in the winter, there are chances of mist or fog in many areas. Black and white images of landscapes with a pinch of fog, mist, and cloud can be a perfect combination and something that you will cherish forever.

8) Motion Blur

In case you want to induce some energy into your photos then Motion blur is something that you might want to explore. With the fast-paced life of Paris, you will be able to find a number of instances where you will be able to capture a motion blur which is nothing but keeping the focus on the subject and blurring out the background of the image. When the background is heavily colored, it often catches public reaction to the background rather than the subject. When this is captured in black and white it is guaranteed that the image will gather more attention.

9) Water

One of the best snaps you will get for the water bodies in Paris is to get on a cruise on the river that runs through the city. With black and white images, you will be able to capture the reflections of multiple parts of the city. The fountain and benches surrounding the Eiffel tower is another interesting location.

10) Clouds

We all know how beautiful the clouds look from above while travelling on a flight. Have you ever wondered how beautiful the clouds would look in a monochrome photograph? Every nuance, curve, and twist of the clouds and its trail would be captured in perfection. Paris, with its variety of seasons, offers the nature and outdoor photographs plenty of opportunities. The clouds against a bright sky, the clouds against a night sky, clouds at dawn or dusk, and clouds hiding the sun – there are so many ways to explore this stunning beauty.

11) Texture

Black and white photography can bring out the textures in the image. While color keeps one from appreciating the finer points of the image, with a picture that doesn’t have any color, all the focus is on the subject and the image itself. Here, the viewer gets to enjoy the beauty and appreciate the textures. If you are planning to convert the image into black and white later, you should also photograph that piece accordingly. The nuances and texture would be affected differently, leading you to capture emotions, shapes, and lines in a different manner.

Since the is no longer any color in the picture, when a viewer sees a picture, it may not be the vibrant red of the rose that may be calling out to them. Instead, they might be attracted to the texture of the flower, the petal, and its textures. Light, depth, contrasts, textures, and shapes all play an important role here. In Paris, there is no dearth of places where you can find active textures. It is usually a good idea to look for such opportunities during dawn or dusk.

12) Portrait Images

One of the most favorite sections where there are endless possibilities are the portrait images. In Paris, you will be able to find places where there are people putting up their own shows. It is a good idea to ask for their permission before taking a picture of them. Black and white portraits highlight the human emotions. They add a deeper meaning to the images and one can easily understand by looking at the images, the emotions and feeling. A colored portrait can easily distract the viewer.

To Sum It All Up…

There are certainly many more reasons why Paris looks best in Black and White and I’m sure some people will still disagree and say it looks better in color. However, I strongly believe that Paris should be experienced in color but viewed in Black & White. This is what behind my photography philosophy and why such images turn out to be a better memory when compared to colored ones. Paris has a diverse culture and there are many mind-blowing spots where capturing black and white photos would be great. While there are many more reasons why Paris looks best in black and white, these are some of the ones that hold a special place in my heart.